The MV "Vietnamese people love each other" just released has attracted attention with about 1.8 million views on YouTube.
In addition to being elaborately invested and having a catchy melody, the song caused controversy with the chorus: "Rice ripens tall but never bows/Very proud to be a Vietnamese person for so long.
On social networks, especially Threads, this line of song faced many mixed opinions. An article with more than 1,000 shares said that the original line "deep river, quiet, ripe rice bows" originally praised humility, so the change distorted the meaning, even causing a feeling of arrogance.
Some opinions say that this image is "wrong knowledge" because naturally, ripe rice often bows its head, and not bowing it is easily seen as flat or against the rules.
Musician Chau Dang Khoa then explained that the line of song has an expanded meaning, expressing the pride of Vietnamese people, not arrogance.
The image of "not bowing" is explained by him as the spirit of not submitting to adversity, symbolizing national spirit and self-esteem. He also acknowledges and appreciates feedback from the audience.
However, many viewers still expressed opposition, saying that the musician had not studied carefully when composing, leading to not fully grasping the spirit of the old saying. According to them, his creativity unintentionally distorted the inherent meaning of the saying.
If you want to talk about the indomitable spirit of Vietnamese people, why not use the image of a bamboo tree?", a viewer commented.
When rice is ripe, not bowing your head can only be drought, crop failure. When it is ripe enough, you must bow your head," another person emphasized.
Previously, in the song "Bac Bling", musician Tuan Cry impressed with the line: "Sáng như đêm trăng rằm hội Lim, biết em đâu mà tìm".
However, when listening, many viewers wondered because Lim festival usually takes place on the 12th and 13th days of the first lunar month, while the "full moon night" is the 15th.
Many people think that the image in the song evokes the moment a young man goes to find his loved one, but when he arrives, the festival has already ended, leaving only a quiet space full of regret.
However, Tuan Cry's proper use of folk images has received support from the audience, because it shows a thorough understanding of Lim festival culture and customs, and at the same time evokes emotional depth in the song.
